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2025-26 Registration FAQs

Preparatory Chorus (Grades 4-6)

 

Why should my child register?

If your child enjoys music and singing, then they should definitely consider registering for the Preparatory Chorus. Members of the Preparatory Chorus learn important musicianship skills in an encouraging environment and build self-esteem and confidence through various performance opportunities. 

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The Children's Choruses are part of the greater Cleveland Orchestra Chorus Family, and are encouraged to continue their musical journey through elementary school to high school and into adulthood. An audition is not required for membership in the Preparatory Chorus, only a completed registration form and successful completion of one Meet & Greet session. 

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How does registration for the Preparatory Chorus work? 

Interested singers should complete our ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM and sign-up to attend one meet and greet session. The registration form is an application that collects  information on the singer's musical background and contact information for them and their families which will be helpful as we prepare for the season. 

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What is a Meet & Greet Session? 

​​Meet & Greet sessions is our brief and informal way to meet prospective Preparatory Chorus members and their families before the new season begins. During the 30-minute session, we meet with five singers and have them go through basic vocal exercises together. This information will help us understand their vocal ability and musical knowledge, which will help us select repertoire for the upcoming season.  

 

We will also be assessing students’ ability to listen and follow instructions and maintain focus and attention. This information will help us determine their behavior in a group setting and whether the Prep Chorus is the appropriate ensemble for the singer's current maturity level. We will provide time for families to ask our directors and staff questions about the program and get to know each other. We find that it is nice to go into a new season with a buddy and a few familiar faces.

 

Singers are only accepted into the Preparatory Chorus after completing a registration form and successfully completing one Meet and Greet session. 

 

What does a successful Meet & Greet session look like?

All singers will be accepted regardless of their musical background. However, we will take into consideration the behavior an maturity of each participant to determine whether they are ready for the Prep Chorus at the session. Singers that have a successful Meet and Greet session will:

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• Demonstrate learning behaviors that show the best possible effort and curiosity during group vocal exercises

• Choose to be active listeners who occupy their own space and avoid engaging in distractions that interfere with the teaching or learning of others.  
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My child has never taken any instrumental or vocal lessons. Should they still register?

Yes! We encourage any student who loves to sing and is eager to enhance their knowledge of music to  register for the Preparatory Chorus. Private music lessons are not required to participate in any of The Cleveland Orchestra Choruses.

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What do Prep Chorus rehearsals look like?

Tuesdays | 6:00–7:30 PM (90 minutes)

Our weekly rehearsals are designed to build strong musicianship while preparing for performances. You can expect the following each week:

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1. Warm-ups

   • Review vocal exercises to support healthy singing

   • Introduce a key musical concept

2. Skill Building

   • Learn to read music (notes and rhythms)

   • Practice music reading skills through musical examples and interactive activities

   • Apply those skills directly to chorus music

3. Repertoire Rehearsal

   • Learn and memorize chorus music in preparation for concert

   • Develop ensemble skills and musical expression

4. Rehearsal Wrap-Up

   • Review key concepts

   • Reinforce focus and rehearsal habits

   • Assign practice assignments for the week

 

Our Goals

Students will:

• Develop healthy vocal technique

• Build music reading skills

• Gain confidence as performers

• Experience different musical styles

• Strengthen focus, discipline, and teamwork

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Rehearsal Approach

• We use a spiral learning model: skills are introduced, then revisited and expanded over time.

• Instruction is designed to provide opportunities for individual growth while offering and maintaining appropriate challenges.

  • Each rehearsal is carefully planned to ensure singers are learning their music as well as skills that will help with overall musicianship and vocal growth ​

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Student Expectations

• Come prepared and ready to participate

• Stay focused and engaged throughout rehearsal

• Practice assigned materials during the week

  • Since the choir meets only once a week, students are asked to practice and complete short homework assignments to help continue the musical learning outside of rehearsal. ​

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My child is in 6th grade. Which chorus should they join? 

Both the Preparatory Chorus and Children's Chorus accept singers in 6th grade.

 

The Preparatory Chorus focuses on establishing a solid foundation in vocal production technique and musicianship. Its members perform in 3-4 community concerts each year and rehearse for an hour and half each week.  

• For singers that may not have significant singing experience, may be nervous to audition for the Children's Chorus, or may want a slower adjustment to the Children's Choruses, registering for the Preparatory Chorus is great way to start their musical journey with our choruses and grow with other choristers.

• Eligible singers that demonstrate maturity and growth in the Fall semester may be invited to audition for the Children's Chorus in the Winter if they are interested and schedule allows. 

 

The Children's Chorus builds and further develops the skills learned in the Preparatory Chorus and has a more extensive rehearsal and performance schedule. For example, the 2024-2025 Season included three community concerts, three performances of Mahler's 3rd Symphony with The Cleveland Orchestra, and four performances of the Holiday Concerts with The Cleveland Orchestra.

 

• If your singer has experience in solo or choral singing, can manage the schedule of the children's chorus, and feels that they are comfortable with auditioning, we recommend that they audition for the Children's Chorus. 

• For those that choose to audition for the Children's Chorus, the Directors will determine the best placement for each singer. Accepted students will be placed in the appropriate ensemble – Children’s Chorus or Preparatory Chorus – at the directors’ discretion.

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I want to learn more about the Children's Choruses. Where can I find additional information?

Our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page is a great place to learn more about the Children's Choruses.

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I still have more questions. Who should I contact?

Contact Angel Tyler, Children's Choruses Manager, at atyler@clevelandorchestra.com. She'll be happy to assist you.